Livingston County Soil Data
Livingston County, Missouri
Avg pH
6.3
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
Subaqueous
Organic Matter
3.2%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Livingston County, Missouri
Favorable Acidity for Regional Farming
Livingston County maintains an average soil pH of 6.30, beating the state average of 6.09. This level is just below the national median of 6.5, making it highly suitable for most agricultural uses. Detailed taxonomic data is limited, but the overall soil score of 74.6 indicates high quality.
Silt-Dominated Soils with High Clay
The soil contains 59.3% silt and a substantial 27.0% clay, with a low sand percentage of 13.3%. This high-clay content means the soil is excellent at holding onto fertilizers and minerals. However, the lack of sand can lead to heavy, sticky conditions when the ground is wet.
Robust Organic Matter Supports Growth
The county features a strong organic matter content of 3.18%, well above the national 2.0% average. Available water capacity is also high at 0.201 in/in, compared to the state average of 0.183 in/in. These metrics ensure that crops have access to both food and water throughout the summer.
Saturated Subaqueous Drainage Profiles
Livingston's dominant drainage class is subaqueous, which often signifies areas with poor natural drainage. Specific hydrologic group data is not currently recorded for the primary soil types. Producers should be mindful of water table heights when planning building foundations or field drainage.
Versatile Growing in Zone 6a
The 6a hardiness zone allows for a variety of cool-season crops and hardy perennials. With its high water capacity, this soil is perfect for moisture-loving plants like squash and leafy greens. Your local garden can flourish given the high nutrient retention of these Missouri soils.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Hydrologic group data not available.
Drainage Class
Subaqueous
Drainage class: Subaqueous
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Silt Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Livingston County have?
Livingston County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 13% sand, 59% silt, and 27% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Livingston County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Livingston County's soil has a pH of 6.3, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Livingston County?
Livingston County has a dominant drainage class of "Subaqueous." Moderate drainage allows adequate moisture retention while still permitting excess water to drain over time.
What crops or plants grow well in Livingston County's soil?
Based on Livingston County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 6.3, and Subaqueous, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Livingston County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Livingston County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Livingston County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in Missouri
Soil data sourced from USDA SSURGO via Soil Data Access. Data is informational only and should not be used as a substitute for on-site soil testing. Contact your local NRCS office for site-specific soil information.